=> ISLAMABAD: Journalists of Rawalpindi and Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Journalists of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday continued their protest against the media curbs.
They gathered in front of the offices of newspaper to press the government for their demands. Members of the civil society and students also joined the protesting journalists. They were carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans ‘Stop violence against media’, ‘Restore freedom of press’ and ‘Restore the Chief Justice of Pakistan’. They condemned the code of conduct and ordinances being promulgated to curb the freedom of media. The journalists said they had been playing a vital role in the development of the country since its establishment.
They urged the government to restore the freedom of media and maintain the rule of law in the country. They also demanded restoration of the deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other judges who had refused to take oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order.
The journalists said they were united for their right to factual reporting. They said freedom of expression was the basic fundamental right of the people and no authority could suspend it without any solid justification. They also called upon Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to avoid unfair measures against the media. The media persons said they would resist all the unfair policies and measures of the government and they were ready to face all hardships for the independence of media. They also vowed to continue their struggle for media freedom.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General Mazhar Abbass and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Afzal Butt addressed the participants of the protest rally. A contingent of police and senior officials of the security forces were present on this occasion.
Source: Daily Times
Date:12/12/2007
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